Method for dispersing nanotubes e.g. single walled nanotubes involves contacting the nanotubes with an electronic liquid comprising a metal and an amine solvent

NOVELTY - Dispersing nanotubes, involves contacting the nanotubes with an electronic liquid comprising a metal and an amine solvent. USE - For dispersing nanotubes, particularly carbon nanotubes or single walled nanotubes to obtain solution of dispersed nanotubes, which is useful as starting material for forming purified or fractionated nanotubes (claimed). ADVANTAGE - The electronic liquid disperses complex bundles of nanotubes into individual nanotubes, in particular single walled nanotubes. This method is particularly advantageous because it avoids the use of agents which damage the nanotubes such that the nanotubes in the resulting solution are non-damaged and non-functionalized. Thus, an ideal starting material, in high concentration, is provided for further manipulation, such as separation and functionalization. The solvents are highly volatile and easily removed, leaving the pure metal nanotubide salts. Many of the metals themselves are volatile and can be removed by sublimation. This means that the metal can thus be recovered for reuse, leaving clean, dispersed, individual nanotubes.